Phaidon’s Monograph on Ettore Sottsass

A comprehensive review of the iconic Italian designer's work

As the mastermind behind vibrant, eccentric furniture—not to mention the iconic Olivetti ‘Valentine’ typewriter—Italy’s Ettore Sottsass established himself as one of the most important contributors to the Postmodernist movement. This famed founder of the Memphis Group brought wild imagination to ceramics, lighting and even vast architectural structures. The depth and breadth of his decades-spanning work altered pre-conceived notions that function outweighs design, and continues to …

A Permanent Vacation + Valentich Backpacks

J. Crew's art director launches a new gear-centric website for those who love design and adventure

Launched this week, the e-commerce site A Permanent Vacation introduced their debut product—a sleek, backpack collaboration with Valentich Bags (now going by the name Campfire) of Ridgeway, Colorado. Made by hand in the States, the rectangular canvas bag is thoughtfully designed to accommodate the needs of both the urban and outdoor explorer. The simple silhouette of the pack masks the intricacies of the contrasted interior, …

The Album Art of Leif Podhajský

We speak with the mixed-media artist about his mesmerizing designs for Kelis, Tame Impala and more

In Leif Podhajský’s studio (an old converted stable in Shoreditch, East London) there is a shelf filled with albums that he’s designed; their colorful spines lined up one after the other. Designed by mixing digital images with painted textures and drawings, the artist and creative director has created artwork that’s trippy, visually arresting and entirely complementary for the music it represents. That mix of mysticism …